Djadji Daffe to lead Wildcats in 2002-2003 B-ball season
by Jesse Phelps

Four starters return to lead an experienced Villanova varsity basketball team this season.
Board machine Djadji Daffe and point guard Ryan Kirby figure to have the most impact. Kirby, a four-year varsity letterman, and Daffe, the CIF Southern Section's leading rebounder last year, should give the team a decent inside-outside combination that could help keep defenses off guard.
In the final regular season game of a year ago, Daffe went off for 31 points and 26 rebounds in a 58-45 rout of Thacher.
"He's a great team guy. He's our best defender in a long time," says coach Matt Dunn. "He's a good leader in terms of competitiveness. He's everything you could ask for."
Aaron Harter, Nate Langelier, Kota Matsushige and Clark Tevis all logged consistent minutes for the varsity team as underclassman last year and their contributions figure to increase.
Junior varsity standouts Mero Marmé, Kyle Marmé and Will Randolph have been promoted and Chris Gerhart makes his return to the court now that his distinguished football career is over. Solid at all positions, the Wildcats are blessed with a solid nucleus for the 2002-2003 season.
The Wildcats opened this year's campaign with a 44-41 victory Dec. 2 over West Valley Christian. Daffe once again led the Wildcat attack, scoring 22 points. Langelier added six, the Marmés combined for another six, and Randolph pitched in five points. Kirby had four and Tevis rounded out the scoring with a free throw.
Results of their games in the Laguna Blanca Tournament at Santa Barbara, which is running Dec. 4 through 7, were not avaiable as of press time.
Next up is an away game at St. Bonaventure in Ventura on Dec. 9.

© 2002 The Ojai Valley News

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